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Single-use Medical Devices

How do I know if a device is for single use?

It will have the symbol (see right) on the packaging or on the device itself.

What does single-use mean?

It means DO NOT REUSE. A single-use device should be used on a single patient during a single procedure, and then discarded safely. It should not be reprocessed and used again, even on the same patient.

Why shouldn’t a single-use device be reused?

Serious incidents have been reported relating to the reuse of single-use devices. Reuse is unsafe because of the risk of:

Cross-infection resulting from the inability to effectively clean and decontaminate a device due to it’s design.

Patient injury caused by the failure of the device following reprocessing. Products that are not designed for multiple-use may not withstand reprocessing adequately as a result of material alteration, embrittlement or fatigue. Sharp edges will become dulled, the lumen of fine tubes may be blocked, and moving parts may not function properly.

Chemical burns or sensitisation as a reaction to the chemicals or decontaminants which may be absorbed by the device during reprocessing.